Pune: With the upcoming Assembly elections on the horizon, the Pune district administration has intensified its preparations, increasing the number of polling stations across the district by approximately 300 compared to the last Lok Sabha elections.

This year, a total of 8,417 polling stations will be set up across 21 Assembly constituencies, aiming to provide easier access for voters.

The rural constituencies have seen significant additions: Junnar will have 356 polling stations, Ambegaon 341, Khed Alandi 389, Shirur 457, Daund 310, Indapur 337, Baramati 386, Purandar 413, Bhor-Velha-Mulshi 564, and Maval 402 polling stations.

In the urban areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad, which include three Assembly constituencies, Chinchwad will have 561 polling stations, Pimpri 398, and Bhosari 483 polling stations.

Pune city itself will host a considerable number of polling stations: Wadgaon Sheri will have 437, Shivajinagar 280, Kothrud 387, Khadakwasla 505, Parvati 344, Hadapsar 525, Pune Cantonment 274, and Kasba Peth 268 polling stations.

The increase in polling stations is expected to facilitate smoother and more accessible voting for the electorate, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving voter convenience and participation in the democratic process.

According to the preliminary list, the voter population in the city and district has surged to 8.439 million, comprising 4.403 million men, 4.035 million women, and 745 third-gender voters.

This marks an increase of 100,000 voters since the Lok Sabha elections, which had a voter count of 8.338 million. The updated list has identified 8,417 polling stations across the district.